p53-Mediated Tumor Suppression: DNA-Damage Response and Alternative Mechanisms.

Abstract

The tumour suppressor p53 regulates different cellular pathways involved in cell survival, DNA repair, apoptosis and senescence. However, according to an increasing number of studies, the p53-mediated canonical DNA damage response is dispensable for tumour suppression. p53 is involved in mechanisms regulating many other cellular processes, including metabolism, autophagy, cell migration and invasion, and these pathways might crucially contribute to its tumour suppressor function. In this review we summarize the canonical and non-canonical functions of p53 in an attempt to provide an overview of the potentially crucial aspects related to its tumour suppressor activity.